Jay Keller asks: 

> Quick question: Did any harm actually come to the Long-eared Owls?

That's probably one of those questions we'll never know the answer to.
I think the possibility of harm was greatly diminished by the very
thoughtful way that Bob Ringler handled the situation.  Nonetheless,
now is the time to back away from these birds and leave them alone.
If they are going to nest at that location, then any further
disturbance might likely affect their attempts.

What we don't know is how many people went there on their own looking
for the owls.  Some people are not skilled enough to find the birds
without flushing them or are not scrupulous enough to avoid close
approaches for the possibility of a photo.  We all need to take a look
at our behavior and our ethics.

Best,
Norm Saunders